US5533287A - Sign for stranded vehicles - Google Patents

Sign for stranded vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
US5533287A
US5533287A US08/383,941 US38394195A US5533287A US 5533287 A US5533287 A US 5533287A US 38394195 A US38394195 A US 38394195A US 5533287 A US5533287 A US 5533287A
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United States
Prior art keywords
sign
cords
cord
frame members
vehicle
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Expired - Fee Related
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US08/383,941
Inventor
Edwin L. Cole
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Individual
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F21/00—Mobile visual advertising
    • G09F21/04—Mobile visual advertising by land vehicles
    • G09F21/048—Advertisement panels on sides, front or back of vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • B60Q1/52—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking for indicating emergencies

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains generally to sign construction particularly suited for temporary installation on a vehicle to advise of the need for assistance.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 2,911,746 shows a banner with sleeves at its ends each having a stiffener to the ends of which a chain is attached.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,272 shows hingedly attached composite sign panels.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,503 shows a banner with corner attached elastic cords.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,210 shows a panel with margin located sleeves through which straps pass for vehicular attachment.
  • Such signs must be adaptable to a wide range of vehicle sizes and be attachable to the vehicle in a secure manner to remain in place even when acted on by wind gusts resulting from passing vehicles.
  • this requirement is complicated by reason of the fact that contemporary automotive designs often do not provide adequate trunk lid clearances for the insertion of clips, plates, hooks, etc., on the reception of same between bumpers and car bodies as open areas therebetween do not exist or clearance therebetween does not permit insertion of an anchoring element.
  • the wide range of current automobile sizes greatly complicates the task of providing an emergency or distress sign adaptable to all vehicles.
  • distress signs are the criteria of being readily attachable to a stranded vehicle without unduly exposing the stranded motorist to passing vehicles and the mounting of such a sign in a manner to withstand sudden wind gusts from passing traffic.
  • the present invention is embodied within a sign for convenient attachment to a disabled automobile, or other vehicle, to apprise others of the problem encountered.
  • the present sign includes a framework with some of the frame members being of such construction as to permit the passage therethrough of an elastic cord fitted at its ends with a retainer for engagement with a component of the vehicle.
  • a wide range of cord lengths may be realized by the use of looped cords and locks which permit wide adjustment of cord length to render the sign attachable to large as well as the smallest of vehicles.
  • Cord length adjustment is permitted by the cord locks which cooperate with sign frame members to permit extensions of the cord to extend outwardly to and along the vehicle sides for vehicle attachment.
  • the cords may also serve to couple the ends of the sign frame members in which case the ends are apertured for cord passage.
  • the framework may be constructed from durable plastic tubing and without costly jointing of the frame members.
  • One of the frame members serves to support a multitude of signs, each with a different message, enabling the vehicle operator to select the appropriate message.
  • Important objectives include the provision of a sign for vehicles which includes lengthly elastic cords and locking means to adapt cord length to the disabled vehicle regardless of the size of the latter; the provision of a sign for stranded motorists which may be displayed without any requirement for mechanical ability on the user's part; the provision of a sign for stranded motorists which does not rely on gaps in the vehicle body for insertion of attachment fittings.
  • FIG. 1 is a rear end elevational view of a stranded vehicle with the present sign in place thereon;
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevational view of the sign of FIG. 1 with cord fragments broken away;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged detailed view of that portion of the sign encircled at 3 in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is an elevational view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 1 showing a sign retainer in place on the vehicle body.
  • the reference numeral 1 indicates the body of a stranded vehicle.
  • An automobile bumper is at 2.
  • the sign's rectangular framework comprises horizontal members 4 and upright members 5 which are preferably of tubular plastic material which permits passage therethrough of later described elastic cords.
  • a rear wall or panel member 6 of the sign is supported in place by the side sleeves 7 stitched at 8 to the back wall and a bottom sleeve 9 all in place about frame members 5 and lower frame member 4.
  • Bottom sleeve 9 is stitched at 10 to the back wall member 6.
  • a hinge 11 is in place on upper horizontal member 4 and serves to also support back wall member 6 in place on top frame member 4 and carries a series of superimposed signs 12 each having a different message thereon such as the one illustrated, to apprise passing motorists or others of the problem encountered.
  • Elastic cords at 15 each pass through an upright frame member 5 via an opening 16 therein.
  • the cord ends are equipped with hooks or other retainers at 17.
  • a looped segment 15A of each cord extends laterally from one side of a frame member 5 and is fitted with a spring biased cord lock at 20.
  • the effective length of the cord may be varied to provide tensionable runs of cord from the sign to an attachment point on the vehicle, as for example, as shown in FIG. 4 the edge of a wheel opening 21 and a fender 22.
  • the cords are preferably elastic such as bungee cords. If so desired the cords may be fitted with other retainers, e.g., U-shaped clips. Laterally disposed openings 16 in members 5 receive the cords.
  • a tie at 25 prevents flapping of the sign 12 selected for display.
  • the cords 15 are adjusted by positioning of locks 20 to permit attachment of retainers 17 to the vehicle. In certain instances it may be desirable to secure at least some of the cords to the vehicle by clamping same between a trunk lid edge and the body with final adjustment of the cords made by varying the size of looped segments 15A. Once sized to fit a specific vehicle, the sign need not be adjusted. The selection of a panel 12 is preferably made prior to sign attachment to a vehicle.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Vehicle Waterproofing, Decoration, And Sanitation Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A sign for temporary attachment to a stranded vehicle includes a framework having upright tubular members through which elastic cords may be extracted for the purpose of sign attachment to a vehicle. Looped segments of the cords permit adjustment of cord lengths to accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes while cord locks limit the passage of the looped cords through the upright frame members. The cords additionally serve to couple the upright frame members to horizontal frame members. A collection of sign panels are swingably supported on a horizontal frame member to permit display of the appropriate message.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains generally to sign construction particularly suited for temporary installation on a vehicle to advise of the need for assistance.
Useful to motorists who have experienced an emergency situation such as a mechanical malfunction, flat tire or being out of gas, are signs temporarily attachable to the vehicle to apprise others of the problem with a view toward assistance. U.S. Pat. No. 4,208,820, issued to the present inventor, was directed toward such an objective.
Prior patents are noted which have this objective in common, which patents include, in addition to the above noted patent,
U.S. Pat. No. 2,911,746 shows a banner with sleeves at its ends each having a stiffener to the ends of which a chain is attached. U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,272 shows hingedly attached composite sign panels. U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,503 shows a banner with corner attached elastic cords. U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,210 shows a panel with margin located sleeves through which straps pass for vehicular attachment.
Such signs must be adaptable to a wide range of vehicle sizes and be attachable to the vehicle in a secure manner to remain in place even when acted on by wind gusts resulting from passing vehicles. With regard to being attachable to a wide range of vehicles, this requirement is complicated by reason of the fact that contemporary automotive designs often do not provide adequate trunk lid clearances for the insertion of clips, plates, hooks, etc., on the reception of same between bumpers and car bodies as open areas therebetween do not exist or clearance therebetween does not permit insertion of an anchoring element. Still further, the wide range of current automobile sizes greatly complicates the task of providing an emergency or distress sign adaptable to all vehicles.
Important to such distress signs are the criteria of being readily attachable to a stranded vehicle without unduly exposing the stranded motorist to passing vehicles and the mounting of such a sign in a manner to withstand sudden wind gusts from passing traffic.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention is embodied within a sign for convenient attachment to a disabled automobile, or other vehicle, to apprise others of the problem encountered.
The present sign includes a framework with some of the frame members being of such construction as to permit the passage therethrough of an elastic cord fitted at its ends with a retainer for engagement with a component of the vehicle. A wide range of cord lengths may be realized by the use of looped cords and locks which permit wide adjustment of cord length to render the sign attachable to large as well as the smallest of vehicles. Cord length adjustment is permitted by the cord locks which cooperate with sign frame members to permit extensions of the cord to extend outwardly to and along the vehicle sides for vehicle attachment. The cords may also serve to couple the ends of the sign frame members in which case the ends are apertured for cord passage. Accordingly, the framework may be constructed from durable plastic tubing and without costly jointing of the frame members. One of the frame members serves to support a multitude of signs, each with a different message, enabling the vehicle operator to select the appropriate message.
Important objectives include the provision of a sign for vehicles which includes lengthly elastic cords and locking means to adapt cord length to the disabled vehicle regardless of the size of the latter; the provision of a sign for stranded motorists which may be displayed without any requirement for mechanical ability on the user's part; the provision of a sign for stranded motorists which does not rely on gaps in the vehicle body for insertion of attachment fittings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings:
FIG. 1 is a rear end elevational view of a stranded vehicle with the present sign in place thereon;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevational view of the sign of FIG. 1 with cord fragments broken away;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged detailed view of that portion of the sign encircled at 3 in FIG. 2; and
FIG. 4 is an elevational view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 1 showing a sign retainer in place on the vehicle body.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With continuing attention to the drawings, wherein applied reference numerals indicate parts similarly hereinafter identified, the reference numeral 1 indicates the body of a stranded vehicle. An automobile bumper is at 2.
Indicated generally at 3 is a sign embodying the present invention. The sign's rectangular framework comprises horizontal members 4 and upright members 5 which are preferably of tubular plastic material which permits passage therethrough of later described elastic cords. A rear wall or panel member 6 of the sign is supported in place by the side sleeves 7 stitched at 8 to the back wall and a bottom sleeve 9 all in place about frame members 5 and lower frame member 4. Bottom sleeve 9 is stitched at 10 to the back wall member 6.
A hinge 11 is in place on upper horizontal member 4 and serves to also support back wall member 6 in place on top frame member 4 and carries a series of superimposed signs 12 each having a different message thereon such as the one illustrated, to apprise passing motorists or others of the problem encountered.
Elastic cords at 15 each pass through an upright frame member 5 via an opening 16 therein. The cord ends are equipped with hooks or other retainers at 17. To provide cords having adequate length for attachment to a wide range of vehicle sizes, a looped segment 15A of each cord extends laterally from one side of a frame member 5 and is fitted with a spring biased cord lock at 20. Accordingly the effective length of the cord may be varied to provide tensionable runs of cord from the sign to an attachment point on the vehicle, as for example, as shown in FIG. 4 the edge of a wheel opening 21 and a fender 22. The cords are preferably elastic such as bungee cords. If so desired the cords may be fitted with other retainers, e.g., U-shaped clips. Laterally disposed openings 16 in members 5 receive the cords.
Cord passage through crosswise orientated apertures 24 in the end segments of horizontal frame members 4 permits convenient assembly of the sign framework without additional corner components.
A tie at 25 prevents flapping of the sign 12 selected for display.
In use, the cords 15 are adjusted by positioning of locks 20 to permit attachment of retainers 17 to the vehicle. In certain instances it may be desirable to secure at least some of the cords to the vehicle by clamping same between a trunk lid edge and the body with final adjustment of the cords made by varying the size of looped segments 15A. Once sized to fit a specific vehicle, the sign need not be adjusted. The selection of a panel 12 is preferably made prior to sign attachment to a vehicle.
While I have shown but one embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied still otherwise without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be secured by a Letters Patent is:

Claims (5)

I claim:
1. A sign for temporary attachment to a vehicle, said sign comprising,
a framework including horizontal and vertical pairs of frame members, said pair of vertical frame members being of tubular construction,
elastic cords one each extending in an axial manner through each of said vertical frame members with each cord having a looped portion external of its respective vertical frame member, retainers in place on the cord ends,
sheets carried by said framework each bearing printed words,
said elastic cords each extensible through said the pair of vertical frame members for attachment of the retainers to the vehicle,
locks each on a cord looped portion-and limiting cord passage through each of said vertical frame members to permit adjustment of cord lengths for cord attachment in a snug manner to the vehicle.
2. The sign claimed in claim 1 wherein the horizontal pairs of frame members are apertured to their ends for passage of said cords.
3. The sign claimed in claim 1 wherein said locks are spring biased for locking engagement with the looped portion of each of said cords.
4. The sign claimed in claim 3 wherein the vertical pair of frame members each define an opening located therealong for the outward passage of said cords, said locks adjustable along the looped portion of each of said cords and contractible with the framework to limit cord passage through said opening.
5. The sign claimed in claim 1 additionally including a back wall member, side sleeves and a bottom sleeve attached to said back wall member.
US08/383,941 1995-02-06 1995-02-06 Sign for stranded vehicles Expired - Fee Related US5533287A (en)

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Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5893226A (en) * 1997-11-04 1999-04-13 Sophocleous; Sophocles S. Assistance summoning device
US6796060B1 (en) * 2003-10-28 2004-09-28 David Meester Vehicle license plate holder assembly with roadside assistance request mechanism
US20040255501A1 (en) * 2003-06-19 2004-12-23 Makka Enterprise, Inc. Securing and displaying apparatus
US20060138187A1 (en) * 2004-11-22 2006-06-29 Love Richard M Attachment devices and associated ornaments for attaching ornaments to a vehicle
US20060218833A1 (en) * 2005-03-29 2006-10-05 Herman Spira Display system
US20100019479A1 (en) * 2008-07-23 2010-01-28 Haynes Riccardo V Combination trunk cover with spoiler and scrolling display
US20100147208A1 (en) * 2007-05-12 2010-06-17 Nicholas I. Hamilton Road Safety Device
US20140352601A1 (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-04 Patrick E. Carlson Disabled vehicle safety apparatus
US9358942B1 (en) * 2015-03-11 2016-06-07 Robert Tekavec Automobile bumper protector and method of use
US20190355286A1 (en) * 2018-05-18 2019-11-21 Tammy French Flag-mounting brace
US20230245597A1 (en) * 2022-01-28 2023-08-03 Dennis Eugene Dominiack Temporary toilet signage

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2911746A (en) * 1955-02-17 1959-11-10 Massillon Cleveland Akron Sign Co Banner mounting construction
US3701210A (en) * 1970-06-09 1972-10-31 George E Smith Temporary vehicle markings
US3949503A (en) * 1973-09-17 1976-04-13 Waress Edward T Emergency warning device
US4021948A (en) * 1975-09-16 1977-05-10 Alfred Mosch Foldable warning device
US4208820A (en) * 1978-07-28 1980-06-24 Cole Edwin L Sign for disabled motorist
US4906503A (en) * 1988-08-30 1990-03-06 E. I. Dupont De Nemours And Company Nonwoven polyolefin film-fibril banner
US5076196A (en) * 1991-05-24 1991-12-31 Alex Chan Traffic warning mat
US5131290A (en) * 1990-11-15 1992-07-21 Chad Atkinson Steering wheel cover
US5263272A (en) * 1991-04-30 1993-11-23 The Wise Child Inc. Highway emergency safety sign

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2911746A (en) * 1955-02-17 1959-11-10 Massillon Cleveland Akron Sign Co Banner mounting construction
US3701210A (en) * 1970-06-09 1972-10-31 George E Smith Temporary vehicle markings
US3949503A (en) * 1973-09-17 1976-04-13 Waress Edward T Emergency warning device
US4021948A (en) * 1975-09-16 1977-05-10 Alfred Mosch Foldable warning device
US4208820A (en) * 1978-07-28 1980-06-24 Cole Edwin L Sign for disabled motorist
US4906503A (en) * 1988-08-30 1990-03-06 E. I. Dupont De Nemours And Company Nonwoven polyolefin film-fibril banner
US5131290A (en) * 1990-11-15 1992-07-21 Chad Atkinson Steering wheel cover
US5263272A (en) * 1991-04-30 1993-11-23 The Wise Child Inc. Highway emergency safety sign
US5076196A (en) * 1991-05-24 1991-12-31 Alex Chan Traffic warning mat

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5893226A (en) * 1997-11-04 1999-04-13 Sophocleous; Sophocles S. Assistance summoning device
US20040255501A1 (en) * 2003-06-19 2004-12-23 Makka Enterprise, Inc. Securing and displaying apparatus
US6904710B2 (en) * 2003-06-19 2005-06-14 Makka Enterprise Inc. Securing and displaying apparatus
US6796060B1 (en) * 2003-10-28 2004-09-28 David Meester Vehicle license plate holder assembly with roadside assistance request mechanism
US20060138187A1 (en) * 2004-11-22 2006-06-29 Love Richard M Attachment devices and associated ornaments for attaching ornaments to a vehicle
US20060218833A1 (en) * 2005-03-29 2006-10-05 Herman Spira Display system
US8267035B2 (en) 2007-05-12 2012-09-18 The Steer Clear Partnership Llp Road safety device
US20100147208A1 (en) * 2007-05-12 2010-06-17 Nicholas I. Hamilton Road Safety Device
US8083260B2 (en) * 2008-07-23 2011-12-27 Haynes Riccardo V Combination trunk cover with spoiler and scrolling display
US20100019479A1 (en) * 2008-07-23 2010-01-28 Haynes Riccardo V Combination trunk cover with spoiler and scrolling display
US20140352601A1 (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-04 Patrick E. Carlson Disabled vehicle safety apparatus
US9302615B2 (en) * 2013-05-31 2016-04-05 Black Bart, Inc. Disabled vehicle safety apparatus
US9358942B1 (en) * 2015-03-11 2016-06-07 Robert Tekavec Automobile bumper protector and method of use
US20190355286A1 (en) * 2018-05-18 2019-11-21 Tammy French Flag-mounting brace
US20230245597A1 (en) * 2022-01-28 2023-08-03 Dennis Eugene Dominiack Temporary toilet signage
US20230410695A1 (en) * 2022-01-28 2023-12-21 Dennis Eugene Dominiack Temporary toilet signage
US11915622B2 (en) * 2022-01-28 2024-02-27 Dennis Eugene Dominiack Temporary toilet signage

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